Santiago Solari keen for Real Madrid to not look too far ahead

Santiago Solari keen for Real Madrid to not look too far ahead

Real Madrid head coach Santiago Solari has told his players to forget about the FIFA Club World Cup after seeing them crush minnows Melilla to secure a seventh win in eight games.

Marco Asensio and Isco struck twice each and defender Javi Sanchez and teenager Vinicius Junior also found the back of the net as the LaLiga aristocrats routed Segundo Division B Melilla 6-1 at the Bernabeu Stadium to run out 10-1 aggregate winners in their Copa del Rey last-32 tie.

However, Solari moved swiftly to keep feet firmly on the ground with league games against Huesca and Rayo Vallecano to come either side of CSKA Moscow’s Champions League trip to Madrid before he and his players head for the United Arab Emirates later this month.

He said in his post-match press conference: “There’s no time to think about it – we are not even sure who is in. The final of the Libertadores is being played here on Sunday.

“We are just looking at the next game, so we are still far away. There are many matches before that. There are three, two in LaLiga which are vital for us, and the other one comes in the Champions League.

“After that, we will have time to think about the Club World Cup. It’s a competition that I am passionate about, I think it’s brilliant.”

In the meantime, Solari will prepare for Sunday’s league visit to Huesca having seen his side complete a regulation second-leg victory over Melilla despite the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema not even making the matchday squad.

Asensio struck twice in three minutes and Sanchez added a third in a flurry of activity just before the break.

Skipper Isco helped himself to two goals either side of Vinicius Junior’s effort after the restart with Yacine Qasmi’s late penalty providing a measure of consolation for the visitors.

Solari said: “Today’s game was beneficial. It allows us to see how many quality, committed players we have. They put in a solid display and showed real spark up top.

“It doesn’t matter what division our opposition are playing in. They’re top of their group in Segunda B. Scoring 10 goals in two games isn’t easy and I’m thrilled for everyone who was involved today.”

Asensio’s contribution will have done him little harm after starting the previous two games on the bench, and Solari is delighted to have competition for places.

He said: “Everyone thinks they should start, otherwise they would not be here. We need 11 players and a part of my job is to choose the ones that play.”

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